ENTERTAINMENT

Not Everyone Loves The Fantastic Four: First Steps

USAFri Aug 01 2025

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has been making waves, with many fans and critics praising its fresh take on the classic Marvel team. The movie, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, has been a hit at the box office and has received positive reviews. However, not everyone is on board with this new adaptation.

Rob Liefeld's Criticism

Rob Liefeld, the co-creator of Deadpool, has been vocal about his dislike for the film. He shared a photo of an empty IMAX theater during a Tuesday evening screening, suggesting that the movie's lack of repeat viewers is due to its dull and boring nature. While Liefeld's opinion is just that—an opinion—it's worth noting that he has a history of criticizing Marvel Studios.

Context Behind the Criticism

  • Deadpool & Wolverine Disappointment: In January, Liefeld expressed his disappointment with Deadpool & Wolverine for not including Josh Brolin's Cable.
  • Cutting Ties with Marvel: He mentioned that he had cut ties with Marvel over issues that began in 2023, which came to a head at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere in New York.
  • Retirement from Deadpool Comics: In February 2024, Liefeld announced his retirement from working on Deadpool comics, citing his age as the main reason.

Considering the Context

  • The photo was taken at 5 pm on a Tuesday, a time when many people are either still at work or have just returned home and may not be in the mood for a movie.
  • IMAX tickets are more expensive than standard screenings, which could also contribute to the lower attendance.

The Film's Success

Despite Liefeld's criticism, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has received high scores on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 86% Tomatometer and a 92% Popcornmeter. A sequel is already in development and could potentially be released in 2028, along with other Marvel projects like the Blade reboot, Black Panther 3, and the X-Men reboot.

Upcoming Appearances

Fans won't have to wait that long to see the Fantastic Four again, as they are set to appear in:

  • Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026)
  • Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027)

Hopefully, Liefeld will find their appearances in these ensemble films more to his liking.

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questions

    If Rob Liefeld's empty IMAX theater was a sign, what other movies should we expect to see him criticize next?
    What would happen if The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast had to face Rob Liefeld's critique in a comic book battle?
    How might the timing of Rob Liefeld's post about The Fantastic Four: First Steps affect the perception of his critique?

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